The builder who mocked a councillor with a gargoyle on his controversial development is “happy to go to jail” as a trial looms.

Michael Thomas has been locked in a planning row with Wiltshire Council since he was issued an enforcement notice to stop the conversion of a former pizza takeaway into a seven-bedroom HMO.

The 73-year-old is accused of continuing to work on the project, in Newtown, Trowbridge, and the matter will be dealt with by a trial, scheduled to last for three days, starting on November 19.

With the trial looming, Mr Thomas said he is willing to go to jail over the row.

One of those who objected to his development was Deputy Mayor of Trowbridge Town Council Cllr Stewart Palmen.

In retaliation, Mr Thomas erected a stone gargoyle of Cllr Palmen on the roof of his property.

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Cllr Palmen and the gargoyleCllr Palmen and the gargoyle (Image: SWNS) He said: “The gargoyle was intending to highlight the property and what the fight was all about.

“They are wrong and I am happy to go to jail if I have to because as far as I am concerned if we people don’t stop and say ‘you are wrong’ they will keep doing it.

“The support I have got is amazing – I couldn’t believe so many people agreed with me.”

He has told reporters he will not be removing the gargoyle as the trial draws closer.

As well as the effigy, which is sporting spectacles and sticking his tongue out, Mr Thomas has attached a banner to the scaffolding on the building protesting the council’s decision.

It says: “Wiltshire Council invests time and energy in green field developments and long developers outside and around Trowbridge at a profit while actively hindering small building developers trying to fill a need for accommodation for those who do not qualify for the more expensive out of town accommodation.”

Following an enforcement notice in September 2020, Mr Thomas applied for planning permission which was rejected in 2022.

He appealed this decision but this was dismissed in May 2023.

Mr Thomas allegedly failed to comply with the enforcement notice during this time.

Cllr Palmen has grown fond of the gargoyle since it was installed.

He said: “I am quite happy with it being there – I would like it to stay. There is no skin off my nose.

“For any councillor any publicity is good publicity.

“But it is very frustrating that years and years after he started building something without planning permission that so far there has been no consequence for him.”